North halts slump, romps over Indians

While Roseburg's game plan was attuned to stopping Jordan Ellis, the North Medford boys basketball team was focused on getting back on the winning path Friday at North Medford High.

By Warren Blenkush

While Roseburg's game plan was attuned to stopping Jordan Ellis, the North Medford boys basketball team was focused on getting back on the winning path Friday at North Medford High.

Josh Pecktol helped North Medford's cause, scoring 18 points as the Black Tornado used a huge third quarter to vanquish Roseburg, 69-53, snapping a three-game skid to the powers of the Southwest Conference.

The Black Tornado (11-3, 3-3 SWC) was coming off losses to Sheldon, South Eugene and South Medford. Prior to the slump, North Medford was undefeated with a No. 7 state ranking.

With the victory, North Medford coach Scott Plankenhorn sees another opportunity to get back on top of the SWC standings.

"It was a big deal for us to get back on track," Plankenhorn said. "In this conference, if you don't play your best game, you're in for a dogfight.

"We don't feel like we played bad in those games, we just didn't execute and play the way we know we can."

North Medford held a 31-23 halftime lead and watched its advantage balloon to 23 with a 27-point third period. As North increased its defensive intensity and rebounding effort, transition points came in bunches.

Ellis was held without making a 3-pointer for the first time this season and limited to 14 points. Yet the senior guard managed to make an impact, dishing out a season-high 10 assists all while fueling Tornado fastbreaks with his speed.

"He did a good job in transition getting people the ball," Plankenhorn said. "He did a good job finding the extra guy when the opportunity was there and then they finished the shot."

The Black Tornado, which struggled on the glass in its three losses, outrebounded the Indians, 37-24. North was also 7-of-18 shooting from behind the 3-point line and 27-of-54 from the field.

Matt Maurer tallied 16 points and eight rebounds for the Black Tornado while Tanner Borg went 3-for-5 from 3-point range and scored 10 points. Pecktol also had four steals.

Junior post Mike Levos, who has made his way back to the court from a broken back, provided eight points, including two 3-pointers for the Black Tornado.

"He's really starting to shoot the basketball and move, and it was nice to have that as another option," Plankenhorn said.

Josh Malone netted 18 points to lead the Indians, who also got nine points apiece from Manny Mendoza and Micah Audiss.